Tio Pepe - Baltimore

During our last four visits, only one was outstanding. Two were just okay, and our most recent experience was pretty disappointing. The service was slow and inattentive, and the hostess was unfriendly at best, bordering on rude. I was particularly looking forward to the White Sangria, but it was awful—it had no sweetness, and the wine tasted spoiled. When we mentioned it to our waiter, he argued with us before reluctantly taking the nearly full pitcher away. After tasting it himself, he claimed it was just overly sweet. Everyone has different tastes, but this was just plain wrong. The Mediterranean Seafood Cocktail appetizer has undergone a drastic reduction in size; it's now about half of what it used to be. There was a noticeable absence of ripe, sweet fruit, and two of the scallop pieces, if that's what they were, were dry and tough. Moreover, it was drowning in dressing, which overwhelmed the dish's flavor. My wife loves the Shrimp and Garlic Sauce appetizer and usually finishes every last drop. However, last night she left sauce behind because it was overpowered by Old Bay seasoning, which was not the flavor we expected. The entrees were decent, but the side dish of Spanish Rice had an off taste, and the coffee was lackluster—it tasted watered down and akin to cheap brands like Maxwell House. As for the Almond Cake, it has also shrunk dramatically, now serving less than half of what it used to for the same price. Others have echoed this sentiment as well. It seems Tio's has lost its magic, and I sincerely hope they manage to regain it. We'll give it another chance, but if our next experience is as disappointing, I won't be returning. It's simply too expensive for such a lackluster experience.

We ordered the garlic shrimp to go for my wife and me. As always, it was incredible!

The staff is very attentive and very friendly. The place has a very cozy atmosphere. I have been going here for 40 years and it's never been anything less than fabulous!

Exceptional experience! The service is always outstanding, the food is incredible, and there are private, cozy rooms perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.

Always an amazing celebration! Love the food and ambience here.